The World According to Benet

A View of Post-Katrina New Orleans

I had to go to New Orleans on business last week. It was my first trip there since the hurricane hit. New Orleans has always been one of my favorite cities to visit, and before Katrina, the man and I used to go at least once or twice a year, without fail.

So I hop onto the Shuttle to my hotel. Driving into the city, it looked pretty normal from the highway. The driver decided to exit earlier and he drove us down Canal Street. That's where you could still see empty buildings, for sale signs all over the place and -- shockingly -- a large group of people living in tents under a highway bridge. The driver said they were a mix -- people who had been in state mental facilities that never re-opened and people who lost their FEMA trailers and hotels with no other options.

We got downtown near the French Quarter, and it started to look normal again. I checked into my hotel and decided to walk over to the French Quarter. I love going to the French Market and shop for food and spices that aren't easily available in the Charm City.

I got to the French Market and was horrified! Someone thought it would be a good idea to use hurricane funds to "restore" the market. Not a good one at all. It looked like one of those prettified outdoor shopping malls, complete with ceiling fans. All of the food stores were gone, as were many of my favorite local artists. I didn't stay long.

One highlight of the trip was the private dinner at NOLA, one of Emeril Lagasse's restaurants. The food was divine, and the company was great. The following night, we had an evening event at Mardi Gras World, where they actually make the elaborate floats. We were allowed to walk around and stand on floats and watch how they were made.

I also took the chance to go to my first movie theater experience -- to see Sex and the City -- in 3 years. I was amazed -- when did they start showing commercials in the theater? And there were WAY too many previews. All in all, it was a good trip, and I expect to return in the next year or so.

Now, the weight update. I guess I had way too much fun in New Orleans, because I gained 3 lbs, which puts me at 216. But I'm not going to beat myself up. The good news is that my gym trainer tells me I hit the 500,000 lbs. mark in weightlifting, and he's proud that I'm keeping up with all my cardio and weight conditioning goals. So there you have it.

posted by Benet @ 4:32 PM